Body Landscapes
“Body Landscapes’ is a reaction against the excessive use of air brushed images
by the media. We have grown accustomed to a two dimensional stage where not
a hair is out of place. For many this translates into a warped view of the real,
three-dimensional world and how we are supposed to look.
The fashion industry seeks body types so atypical to the average human form that
they are almost a freak of nature. Model scouts are sent forth to the four corners
of the world to track these rare creatures down. Once found, they are groomed
and polished to perfection, photographed, and then buffed further in Photoshop.
With their abnormally long legs, tiny waists and symmetrical faces sitting upon
giraffe-like necks, not many of us can ever hope to look like them. Yet these
enhanced images are splashed across every media outlet, proclaiming an
impossible ideal to strive for. In many people this can cause a deep-seated
unease,or even depression. It is from this realization that my project has been
conceived.
Just as looking at images of perfection is depressing, I decided that looking at
humanity as it really is - warts, scars, cellulite and all – could be paradoxically
uplifting. I have asked random people to confront their deepest insecurities by
revealing to the camera the parts of themselves they struggle to like. No
judgement was made as to whether they were ugly or otherwise.
Instead of trying to cover up and beautify, I have approached this project from
the viewpoint of a landscape photographer, striving to reveal as much detail and
definition as possible within a pleasing composition.
Some of these images will provoke a strong response, and yet others will make
you wonder what the problem is. No judgement was made by me as to whether a
part was unappealing or not; it was simply enough that the subject thought it
was.
In the interests of equality, I have exposed myself to the camera as well. Along
with all the other sitters, I am not recognisable, and yet, I consider my body part
more reflective of me as person than any portrait ever taken.
by the media. We have grown accustomed to a two dimensional stage where not
a hair is out of place. For many this translates into a warped view of the real,
three-dimensional world and how we are supposed to look.
The fashion industry seeks body types so atypical to the average human form that
they are almost a freak of nature. Model scouts are sent forth to the four corners
of the world to track these rare creatures down. Once found, they are groomed
and polished to perfection, photographed, and then buffed further in Photoshop.
With their abnormally long legs, tiny waists and symmetrical faces sitting upon
giraffe-like necks, not many of us can ever hope to look like them. Yet these
enhanced images are splashed across every media outlet, proclaiming an
impossible ideal to strive for. In many people this can cause a deep-seated
unease,or even depression. It is from this realization that my project has been
conceived.
Just as looking at images of perfection is depressing, I decided that looking at
humanity as it really is - warts, scars, cellulite and all – could be paradoxically
uplifting. I have asked random people to confront their deepest insecurities by
revealing to the camera the parts of themselves they struggle to like. No
judgement was made as to whether they were ugly or otherwise.
Instead of trying to cover up and beautify, I have approached this project from
the viewpoint of a landscape photographer, striving to reveal as much detail and
definition as possible within a pleasing composition.
Some of these images will provoke a strong response, and yet others will make
you wonder what the problem is. No judgement was made by me as to whether a
part was unappealing or not; it was simply enough that the subject thought it
was.
In the interests of equality, I have exposed myself to the camera as well. Along
with all the other sitters, I am not recognisable, and yet, I consider my body part
more reflective of me as person than any portrait ever taken.
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